Chase’s horrible state caused Quinn’s heart to sink.She was at a loss for what to do. More than that, she was terrified.She finally found Rocky, so how could she accept him leaving her again?“What should I do? What should I do?”Quinn bit her lip and was at a total loss.At this moment, her alarm rang, and Quinn immediately grabbed her phone as if she had been snapped out of a dream. Then, with shaky hands, she said, “Y-Yes, I should call for help.”She did not hesitate to call 911 and immediately placed her phone by her ear.However, the line got cut off after just one beep.When Quinn looked at it, she noticed she did not have any signal at all.She then remembered she was a thousand meters underground, so it would only be natural for her to have no signal.This bad news caused her to almost pass out. Right now, she could only walk around the cave with her phone in her hand, hoping to get just one bar of signal.One bar!She only needed one bar so she could make a phon
Quinn's face turned red immediately.After all, this was the first time she was in such proximity to the opposite sex.However, when she remembered that this man was Rocky, she felt happy.Quinn pressed her against Chase’s chest and listened to his heartbeat. Then, she felt his breathing and noticed that he was getting better.This surprised her as this meant that her seemingly clumsy yet unreliable decisions worked.Quinn then noticed the surroundings getting slightly dimmer.The light was coming from the cracks of the cliff above them.“It’s getting dark soon.”Quinn looked around her in fear and then at Chase again. Finally, she mustered her courage and limped to the river.When she came down last night, she noticed that it would freeze down here during nighttime.Moreover, Chase’s clothes were wet and it would not be good for his recovery.That was why Quinn wanted to find some firewood nearby while she could still see. Then, she wanted to set a fire for Chase and also u
“Who? Who’s there?”Quinn stared at the source of the sound, her voice shaking slightly.She had always been afraid of the dark.Moreover, this was an unknown underground world. No one knew what could be down here.After all, she had just seen human bones after falling in here.However, after feeling anxious for some time, she still did not sense any movements in the dark. It was as if she was just hearing things.Finally, Quinn let out a sigh of relief.When she was about to turn back, she heard an eerie sound in the dark all of a sudden. “I didn’t think there would be two living humans down here.”Immediately after, a shadow appeared before Quinn like a ghost.Quinn screamed in fright and subconsciously shielded Chase behind her. Then, she looked at the shadow with fear on her face.It was a 70-year-old woman with white hair. She had a cane in her hand, and her face was covered in toxic patches. Her eyes were as evil and cold as a poisonous snake, making Quinn too scared to
Quinn nodded in astonishment and fear.“I don’t believe you. Lead me there to see for myself.”Madam Snake’s expression changed several times. She grabbed Quinn by the shoulders, and her nails dug deep into Quinn’s flesh.She ignored the cries of pain from Quinn and dragged Quinn out with her as she leaped across the underground river that was more than ten yards wide. She headed straight for the bottom of the sinkhole.Quinn soon led her to where she had fallen. “It’s… It’s up there.”She was in complete despair right now.Quinn realized that Madam Snake was no ordinary woman. She was formidable, and Quinn could not escape from her control.Madam Snake looked up and saw the endless rising cliff. She hesitated before suddenly shaking the sleeve of her robe.A little green snake shot out from her sleeve and fell onto the ground. It bared its teeth at Quinn.Quinn screamed in fear.“Go up there to have a look,” Madam Snake ordered the little green snake.The little green snake
Quinn’s look of despair turned to delight when she saw both of them suddenly appear.Madam Snake frowned. She grabbed Quinn by a hand and retreated immediately more than ten yards away from them.Finn had landed safely on the ground.They had been waiting at the top in worry since Quinn came down the cliff.After some hesitation, they decided to come down to give her help.He looked at Madam Snake and said, “Let Miss Norris go, you old hag.”“What if I refuse to?” Madam Snake smiled sinisterly.“Then forgive me for being rude.”The look in Finn’s eyes darkened and he made the first attack.He was like a tiger as he took a step forward. His right hand was like a claw that went straight for Madam Snake’s arm that had Quinn in a grip.“You overestimate yourself!”Madam Snake grunted coldly. Her brittle right hand flew out from her sleeve to attack Finn.Finn’s hand quickly changed from claw-like to a straight palm as he took on her palm attack hard.Bam!One palm from her wa
“I’m… I’m fine for now.”Finn sat up and quickly pressed a few acupoints on his body. He said, “Go… Go after that old hag. She took a shot from you and couldn't have gone far.”Iris clenched her teeth and ran in the direction where Madam Snake escaped.Ten minutes later, she followed the bloodstains and reached the underground river.She had to stop and look around carefully. There was no sign of Madam Snake.“Damn that old hag!” Iris was furious.That was when she noticed someone lying on the ground right opposite the river.Iris flew over in a few steps and was shocked when she saw who it was. “It’s him…”She followed along the river to inspect it a few times but still could not find any signs of Madam Snake and Quinn. She returned to carry Chase and left the river.Finn was sitting cross-legged on the ground. His eyes were shut in meditation as he tried to suppress the venom inside him.He was taken aback to see Iris return with a man and he said with surprise, “Is that Ch
No one knew how much time had passed before Chase finally woke up.When he opened his eyes, he immediately saw two familiar faces.“You’re finally awake, Chase,” Finn said in delight.Chase sat up and looked around his unfamiliar surroundings. “Where am I, Finn?”“You’re inside the Basalt base. Don’t move. You haven’t recovered from your wounds yet,” Finn said anxiously.Iris said brusquely, “What’s with the advice, Finn? We shouldn’t stop him if he wants to die.”She got angry at the sight of Chase.It was because she was the one who had been carrying Chase all the way back.That was not the only thing. Her main anger stemmed from thinking that Chase had taken advantage of her while he was unconscious in the helicopter.If Finn had not stopped her, she would have pushed Chase out of the helicopter.Chase nodded and realized that his wounds were almost healed.He said gratefully, “Thank you both for saving me.” “We weren’t the ones who saved you. You saved yourself,” Finn
“You’re quite the knowledgeable man, Mr. Collins.” Howard looked at him in great astonishment. He nodded and said, “It’s lucky that Mr. Yardley is a martial arts powerhouse and is protected by true energy. That’s why you were able to withstand the venom until I helped extract it from you.”Finn looked fearful at the thought.Chase frowned and said, “Dr. Quinland, do you know the owner of the Nefarious Roach’s venom?”“I do.”Howard nodded and said, “From what I know, there is an old woman called Madam Snake who breeds Nefarious Roaches. She is wicked at heart and is a martial arts powerhouse. She has since killed many people with their venom and no one dares to offend her.”“Do you know where she is now?” Chase asked coldly.This old hag had hurt Quinn and Chase wanted her dead.“You overestimate me, Mr. Collins.” Howard shook his head and smiled bitterly. “This woman has always moved about mysteriously and she’s very good at putting on a disguise. No one has seen her real face
"Fine! As long as you spare my life, I swear eternal loyalty to you. I'll serve as your slave or servant if that's what it takes!" Luis declared without hesitation. He knew too well that if he refused, death would be his only outcome.Luis was not afraid of dying—he simply could not accept defeat. A lifetime of prestige was ruined in an instant."I, Luis Hawkins, swear to the heavens that I'll submit to Chase Collins and never betray him. Should I break this oath, I vow to meet a terrible end!" Luis raised his hand and spoke in a firm, resolute tone.Chase scoffed, his expression tinged with disdain. He had no intention of believing Luis, and the mockery in his eyes was evident. "Luis, you think I don't see through your games? Do you think I'm unaware that you're merely stalling for time?""H-How do you know that?" Luis narrowed his eyes, a murderous glint flashing within them.Chase chuckled coldly. "Luis, I've dealt with countless schemers and liars. Your petty tricks? They don'
"You can try," Chase said with a faint smile."You…" Luis was consumed with rage.Suddenly, a pitch-black spear shot out from the side. It was aimed directly at Chase.Chase's expression shifted. With a light tap of his toes on the ground, he leaped back several yards, creating distance between himself and the attacker."I see the Hawkinses really are cunning!" Chase's gaze turned icy. "But since you're so desperate to die, I'll gladly oblige."Sword energy erupted, sharp and unforgiving. A single flash pierced through the head of a guard."Y-You're breaking your word!" Luis roared, his face turning an ashen shade.He had planned to use the family members as leverage against Chase, but instead, Chase had struck preemptively."I won't lay a single finger on your family," Chase said coldly. "But as for the others... Don't blame me for what's about to happen."He stared at Luis, his expression devoid of emotion. "Do you really think I care about the Hawkinses' wealth? To me, your
Luis was utterly stunned upon hearing Chase's words. He had never imagined Chase's appetite would be so insatiable. He wanted the entirety of the Hawkins family's assets!"Mr. Collins, pardon me for being frank, but if it's money you want, the Hawkinses are not lacking in that. I can offer you five times the amount you desire," Luis said, attempting to negotiate.Chase chuckled. "Mr. Luis, you've misunderstood. Money means nothing to me." He then added while shaking his head, "I'm after more than just your resources. What truly interests me is the Hawkinses' forging techniques. Surrender those, and I might spare your life.""The forging techniques?!" Luis's eyes widened with disbelief. "Impossible! Absolutely impossible! The Hawkinses' ancestral rules strictly forbid passing those techniques to outsiders. We can only offer you finished products!"The forging techniques were a legacy painstakingly developed by generations of the Hawkinses' forebears. They were the family's lifeblo
"Young man—no, Mr. Collins—please, let's talk this through. There's no need for violence," Luis pleaded. His dignity as the head of the Hawkins family had all but vanished. The Hawkinses had been a cornerstone of Bactria, influencing its entire power structure. Now, however, Luis saw that everything could change with Chase. He needed to bring Chase to their side no matter what it took.After all, Chase's talent was extraordinary, and his potential for growth was limitless. If the Hawkinses could recruit him, they would gain a formidable martial arts saint. They could elevate their standing to unprecedented heights.Luis said, his face stretching into a fawning smile, "Mr. Collins, on behalf of the Hawkinses, I'm willing to compensate you with any resources you need. I can even offer you an entire mine to aid your refining pursuits.""You think I need your resources?" Chase scoffed, his tone dripping with mockery. "And from the Hawkinses? I doubt you can provide anything worthwhile
"What… What's happening? Why are these swords flying on their own? Such powerful sword energy! Are these... black iron swords?!"Everyone was stunned, their eyes wide with shock. The event unfolded so abruptly that none of the Hawkinses' guards could react in time.In an instant, countless black iron swords tore through the air, forming a dense cloud that surged toward the guards like a tidal wave."This is bad!" Luis roared in fury. "Block them!"A massive surge of energy exploded from him, forming a white fist aura that smashed into the incoming sword energy."Hmph! A mere insect of a martial arts saint dares to intercept my black iron swords? You people are courting death!" Chase sneered.With a wave of his right hand, the swarm of black iron swords merged into a single massive blade that slashed down toward Luis.A terrifying sword light split the air. Luis hastily countered with a punch, but it was not enough to escape unscathed. A gruesome gash tore across his chest, blood
"Reckless fools," Chase muttered coldly.He raised his hand and struck out, unleashing a golden palm strike that swept through the air like a tidal wave, enveloping a radius of dozens of feet. Everything in its path was utterly destroyed.The golden imprint descended, shattering every weapon it touched. Bones snapped, flesh tore, and blood splattered in all directions. The power of a single strike crushed everything in its wake."Run for your lives!""No…""Help me!"Agonized screams echoed through the air as bodies fell lifelessly to the ground.Luis' face turned ashen at the sight. He involuntarily stepped back while trembling. "You… Who are you?!"Chase did not bother to respond. Without sparing Luis another glance, he strode toward the Hawkinses' grand estate.It was a sprawling complex of magnificent architecture that exuded opulence and grandeur.Inside, the family members were already alerted to the attack. They had gathered in the main hall, and they whispered nervous
Despite his exhaustion, Zion pressed on as he was convinced that Chase would eventually falter."Seventh Form!" he roared, unleashing a blade strike that seemed to split the heavens and earth.Yet even as the towering blade descended, Chase remained unmoved. With hands clasped behind his back, he stood still and made no effort to dodge or block the attack.An arm fell to the ground, blood splattering everywhere.Zion's eyes widened in utter disbelief as he stared at the scene. His most powerful strike had severed an arm, but it was not Chase's."T-This can't be… H-How is this possible?" he stammered. Zion looked lost, unable to accept the reality before him."It doesn't make sense! How could you withstand my blade? This defies logic!" he muttered, his voice tinged with confusion and despair."You're just too weak," Chase replied calmly while casting a cold glance at Zion.Flicking his finger, Chase sent a pill into his mouth. The pill dissolved instantly, replenishing his deple
In an instant, a group of guards rushed forward to help the elderly man to his feet."Sir, are you all right?" they asked with concern.The old man clutched his swollen face while coughing up blood. His complexion was pale, and his breathing had turned weak. "This man's strength is extraordinary—likely at the late stage of the martial arts saint level. We can't defeat him. Summon the Council of Elders immediately!""Yes, sir!" The guards promptly obeyed and withdrew."You little brat! How dare you launch a sneak attack?!" Zion Hawkins, the second son of the Hawkinses, spat with venom as he glared at Chase."Save your words. If you hate me that much, then come at me," Chase replied indifferently.Zion, a mid-stage martial arts saint, stood flanked by more than ten early-stage martial arts saints and another dozen at mid-stage.Such a force could dominate most of Bactria, but to Chase, it was laughable at best."Arrogant fool! Prepare to die!""Raging Blade, Ninth Form!" Zion ro
Chase strolled toward the massive stone monument, his gaze fixed on the four bold words carved into it. "The Hawkinses' Secret Sect? Perhaps today is the day this name vanishes.""Hmm?" Chase suddenly paused, sensing two powerful auras converging from different directions."As expected of the Secret Sect—full of hidden talents," he muttered while shaking his head lightly. He did not appear surprised; he had already anticipated this scenario before arriving.The ground trembled violently, followed by a chorus of furious roars echoing through the air.From deep within Hawkins Residence, Chase sensed a massive number of disciples pouring out from a grand hall. These disciples, all of them martial arts legends or higher, radiated intense killing intent.Together, they were a formidable force capable of annihilating smaller sects and clans. Yet even their combined might could not withstand a single punch from Chase. Within moments, their resistance crumbled, leaving corpses strewn acro